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Journal of Experimental Biology 31,76-83 (1954)
Published by Company of Biologists 1954

The Physiology of Contractile Vacuoles : X. Effects of High Hydrostatic Pressure on the Contractile Vacuoles of a Suctorian

J. A. KITCHING ¹

¹ Department of Zoology, University of Bristol

1. The contractile vacuole of the suctorian Discophrya piriformis Guilcher has been observed at hydrostatic pressures ranging up to 15,000 lb./sq.in. (1020 atm.).

2. The rate of output of water was reduced at high pressures, and vacuolar activity was entirely suppressed at about 7000 lb./sq.in. (476 atm.).

3. The vacuolar frequency was increased at 2000-3000 lb./sq.in. (136-204 atm.), but returned to normal on release of pressure. The frequency was depressed at 5000 lb./sq.in. (340 atm.) or more, but on release of pressure rose to a level higher than before treatment.

4. The increase in vacuolar frequency at moderate pressures is perhaps comparable to the increase in tension of muscle at these pressures. High pressure probably promotes instability of the pore plug, and contraction and solation of the vacuolar wall.